The Eagle's Nest

Joshua

noreply@blogger.com (Open Door Community Church) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 22:41:00 +0000

Beginning Jan. 29, we will be looking at the life of Joshua. He successfully overcame difficult challenges, and shows us how to do the same! I hope to see you Sundays at 11:00 a.m. at Open Door!

Resolutions

noreply@blogger.com (Open Door Community Church) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 21:55:00 +0000

I'm not big on New Year's Resolutions. Most people I know are able to keep their resolutions for a week or two, but not much longer!

Sunday, Jan. 1, I am going to suggest some New Year's Resolutions we should make - and KEEP - during 2012. They are based on the study we just completed on the Attributes of God. I believe this message will serve as the "so what?" conclusion to that study.

I look forward to seeing you the first Sunday of 2012!

Dec. 25 Schedule

noreply@blogger.com (Open Door Community Church) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:03:00 +0000

In order for families to enjoy their Christmas morning traditions, we will only be meeting at 11:00 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 25.

Our 11:00 a.m. gathering will include singing the traditional Christmas carols, reading the familiar Christmas story, and taking the Lord's Supper together.

You are welcome to join us!

Our regular Sunday morning schedule will be followed Sunday, Jan. 1:
10:00 a.m. - Small Group Bible Study
11:00 a.m. - Worship Gathering

Knowing God

noreply@blogger.com (Open Door Community Church) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 04:23:00 +0000

Beginning Aug. 7 at 11 a.m. at Open Door we will be looking at what the Bible says about knowing God. I encourage you to do your own study of this topic - I believe it will change your life!

Just Keep Praising Him!

noreply@blogger.com (Open Door Community Church) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 12:05:00 +0000

In case you're wondering if we're still studying "Praise" on Sunday mornings at Open Door, the answer is "Yes!" The Bible teaches us so much about God - Who He is and what He does - and tells us repeatedly to "Praise Him" - that we may be in this study for several more weeks.

If you need to be reminded of our great God, this study will encourage you. I hope to see you Sunday at 11 a.m. at Open Door Community Church.

Praise Him!

noreply@blogger.com (Open Door Community Church) — Sat, 28 May 2011 20:29:00 +0000

There are over 200 ways to praise God listed in the Bible. The word "praise", depending on which translation you use, is used well over 100 times. This is an important subject! Meet with us Sunday at 11:00 a.m. as we study this topic. Your relationship with God will be strengthened!

What is Jesus Doing Now?

noreply@blogger.com (Open Door Community Church) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 13:27:00 +0000

We rejoice in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. We are in awe of His sacrifice for us. But He's still working on our behalf right now! Sunday, May 1, we'll answer the question, "What is Jesus Doing Now?" You'll be encouraged!

And, as a public service announcement, Mothers' Day is May 8.

Can God Use Your Donkey?

noreply@blogger.com (Open Door Community Church) — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 02:54:00 +0000

Sunday, April 10, at 11 a.m. at Open Door, we will be looking at what happened on Palm Sunday. Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a borrowed donkey. I wonder about the owner of that donkey - did he have any idea Who was going to ride that donkey?

Which leads to this question: Can God use YOUR donkey? I know, you may not have a donkey - but you have SOMETHING God can use. Let's think about that together Sunday.

The Less Traveled Path

noreply@blogger.com (Open Door Community Church) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 12:24:00 +0000

Approximately 1900 years before Robert Frost wrote about the less traveled road, Jesus talked about a narrow path that few people walked.

Often Christians are called "narrow minded" - Sunday, March 13, we're going to look at Matt. 7:13,14, and see what Jesus said about the less traveled path, and how "narrow minded" His followers are. See you at 11:00 a.m. at Open Door!

How Can I Live This Way?

noreply@blogger.com (Open Door Community Church) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 21:28:00 +0000

As I've been studying the Sermon on the Mount in preparation for our current series (Sunday mornings at 11:00 at Open Door Community Church), I'm constantly challenged by the level to which Christ is calling us. One of the sermons in this study was entitled, "A Whole 'Nother Level", and that could be the title of this entire study! The almost involuntary cry from anyone who seriously studies these teachings of Jesus is "How can I live this way?"

Jesus gives us the answer in Matt. 7:7-11, and we'll be studying it Sunday, Feb. 27, at Open Door. You're invited to meet with us at 11:00 a.m.!

Can I Judge a Bar-B-Q Competition?

noreply@blogger.com (Open Door Community Church) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 21:28:00 +0000

I'm sure we've all heard "but you're judging, and the Bible says 'judge not'." Yes, the Bible does say that. But does that mean that you can't judge whether a singer on American Idol has talent? Does it mean that you can't judge which bar-b-q tastes best to you? Obviously we need to understand what Jesus meant by what He said - and that's what we're studying Sunday, Feb. 20, at 11:00 a.m. I'd love to see you then!

Two "Biggies": Money and Worry

noreply@blogger.com (Open Door Community Church) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 03:11:00 +0000

I think it's always been true, but it's been especially true these past couple of years, that one of our biggest challenges is financial stability. Jesus deals with the believer's relationship to money in Matt. 6. We've all heard "you can't serve God and Mammon", but what does that mean? We'll look at it Sunday, Jan. 30, at 11 a.m.

The following week, as we continue our study of Matt. 6, we'll see what Jesus teaches about worry. Don't worry, we'll find some good answers! :)

There's A Wrong Way to Pray??

noreply@blogger.com (Open Door Community Church) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 03:31:00 +0000

Yes, there's a wrong way to pray! As we continue our study of the Sermon on the Mount, we come to Jesus' teaching about prayer. He tells us how NOT to pray, and then He gives us a "model prayer". We'll be looking at this January 16 and 23. Please consider this your invitation to meet with us at Open Door at 11:00 each Sunday morning for "real, practical, church."

"We Hear the Christmas Angels"

noreply@blogger.com (Open Door Community Church) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 21:31:00 +0000

It's interesting to me that angels were the messengers God used to communicate with the main characters of the Christmas story. We will be looking at these "angelic interactions" during the month of December at Open Door. I invite you to spend at least one of the Sundays of December with us!

Living at a "Whole 'Nother Level"

noreply@blogger.com (Open Door Community Church) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 00:37:00 +0000

The Sermon on the Mount is the most famous sermon ever preached. Over the next few weeks we'll be studying Matt. 5:21 - 48, which includes some of the more well-known teachings of Jesus. "Turn the other cheek". "Go the second mile." "Love your enemies."

Please consider this your personal invitation to meet with us Sunday mornings at 11 at Open Door as we study how to live at a "Whole 'Nother Level".

Influence

noreply@blogger.com (Open Door Community Church) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 13:20:00 +0000

Jesus told His followers that we were "the salt of the earth" and "the light of the world." We will be studying these two illustrations of influence on Sept. 26 and Oct. 3.

In my research on "influence" I ran across this clip. It makes me smile when I see it - and it's a great illustration on influence. Question: What kind of influence are you having today?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GA8z7f7a2Pk&feature=player_embedded

Blessed are the Persecuted?? Really??

noreply@blogger.com (Open Door Community Church) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 01:01:00 +0000

Yes, really! At least, that's how Jesus concludes His teachings that we commonly call "The Beatitudes." Here's a taste of what we'll be talking about this Sunday, Sept. 19, at Open Door.

Persecution is simply the clash between two irreconcilable value-systems. Christ-followers are not like everyone else with a slight difference, they are essentially different. Therefore, persecution will come. Jesus wasn't persecuted because He was good - He was persecuted because He was different.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday as we look at this last Beatitude. If you can't make it, check out the "Audio and Video" link on our home page to watch the sermon and download the notes.

Blessed are the peacemakers

noreply@blogger.com (Open Door Community Church) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 12:46:00 +0000

Many of you will remember when the word "peace" was used as a way of saying "goodbye." Occasionally one of my Chaplain colleagues will say "peace" when I start my shift at the hospital. I like that! "Peace" on the job is a good thing! "Peace" in life is a good thing!

Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers." Since I enjoy having peace in my life, I want to help others find that peace, too. But how can I be a "peacemaker"? That's what we'll be looking at Sunday, Sept. 12, at Open Door.

Perhaps one day we'll look at why I use so many "quotation marks" in my writing!!

"Have a Blessed Day"

noreply@blogger.com (Open Door Community Church) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 21:41:00 +0000

Some of us remember when you could simply say "good-bye" to someone when you parted company for awhile. Then it was "Have a good day". And now, especially in the Bible belt, it seems you have to say "Have a blessed day."

I've often been tempted to stop and ask someone, "What exactly do you mean by that? How will I know if I'm having a blessed day?" But I resist that temptation!

Beginning Sunday, July 11, at 11:00 a.m. at Open Door Community Church, we are beginning the study "How to experience God's blessing in your life." Jesus was very clear in Matthew 5 about the requirements to be "blessed".

I welcome you to meet with us for this study! And, until then.....well.....you know!

What do your grandchildren say about you?

noreply@blogger.com (Open Door Community Church) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:34:00 +0000

Proverbs 17:6 is a verse that convicts me. It reads "Children's children are the crown of old men..." In other words, our GRANDCHILDREN, not our children, determine our spiritual legacy. That's challenging! To me, it means that our true legacy is what we have passed on to our children that they, in turn, have passed on to their children.

Sunday, June 20, is Fathers' Day. At 11:00 a.m. at Open Door Community Church we will be studying I Chronicles 28, and see what King David considered as key elements in his spiritual legacy. I pray it will be helpful to all of us - whether we are biological fathers, adoptive fathers, or "spiritual parents".

Being a Positive Influence in a Negative World

noreply@blogger.com (Open Door Community Church) — Mon, 10 May 2010 11:27:00 +0000

Our society is getting less and less “friendly” toward Biblical principles. Is it even possible for Christ-followers to have a positive impact on our world? (Of course, you know the answer is a resounding “YES!!") But how? Beginning May 16 at 11 a.m. we will study some young men who faced the same challenge, and faced it successfully. Hint: There’s more to Daniel than a Lion’s Den!

Upcoming sermons

noreply@blogger.com (Open Door Community Church) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 03:07:00 +0000

During the hours following the Resurrection, Jesus helped His disciples work through some very human challenges. We face the same challenges, and we will be looking at how Jesus teaches us to handle them.
April 11 - “What to do when you fail”
April 18 - “What to do when you lose hope”
April 25 - “What to do with your fears”
May 2 - “What to do with your doubts”

I invite you to meet with us at Open Door Community Church Sundays at 11:00 a.m.
If you can't make it, click the audio/video link on our home page and watch online!

If you have doubts.....

noreply@blogger.com (Open Door Community Church) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 03:04:00 +0000

At Open Door Community Church, we welcome people who don't yet believe in the God of the Bible, but are honestly seeking answers. The Bible teaches that the Resurrection of Christ is the heart of our faith. If you have doubts about Easter, I suggest you find and read these books. You can find them at most religious bookstores, and any local bookstore can order them for you - or you can find them online!
“Evidence that Demands a Verdict” - Josh McDowell
“Who Moved the Stone?” - Frank Morrison
“Know Why You Believe” - Paul Little
“The Case for Christ” - Lee Strobel

Easter's Coming!

noreply@blogger.com (Open Door Community Church) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 00:37:00 +0000

Easter 2010 is April 4. Here is where we're heading on Sunday mornings leading up to Easter Sunday.
March 14 - Gethsemane was the site of one of the most intense times of Jesus' life, as His sweat became blood. Although not on the level of Jesus, we, too, face times in our lives when it seems that we are fighting for our lives. We'll look at what Jesus teaches us about those times.

March 21 - Do you know who Malchus was? Do you know what is so significant about his ear? We'll learn!

March 28 - There's a song that starts "In the Upper Room with Jesus." We'll look at that familiar scene, and learn about the choices we all face in our lives.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday at 11:00 a.m.

Listen to the Music!

noreply@blogger.com (Open Door Community Church) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:46:00 +0000

It seems to me that in a society’s popular music there are several threads:
**songs that glorify rebellion against the norms and mores of society **songs that are love-songs about inter-personal relationships
**songs that are just written to entertain or make money (remember when there were no messages in the songs - just fun!! “Simon Says”, “The Name Game”
**songs that address issues/problems, either in society or in people’s lives.

Much of today's music is not what Christians need to feed their minds on, but adults need to be educated about what their children/teens are listening to. And if you’ll listen, you’ll experience a whole range of emotions:
**there will be some pleasant surprise as you find some of it isn’t as bad as you thought;
**there will be some nostalgia as you hear remakes of songs you listened to growing up;
**and there will be some shock as you discover some of it is worse than you thought.

Having said that, I have been interested for several years in what the music of the day says about our culture and the moral standards of our culture. And I have been interested to see that periodically the current prophets are crying for meaning and purpose in life, and the issues they bring up can be best addressed by going to the Scriptures for real answers.

During the next few weeks we are going to take some recent songs and see how the Bible addresses what the culture needs. In other words, let's take the music of our culture and use it as an opportunity to share the Truth of God's Word! We need to be able to communicate with this generation where they are living - answer the questions they are asking. I usually call this series "Listen to the Music", but you can call it "God on Your IPOD or mp3 player"!

Some of the songs on the "play list":
"Battlefield"
"The Climb"
"You Found Me"
"If Today Was Your Last Day"

Please email me any suggestions! See you Sunday at 11:00 a.m. at Open Door Community Church!